Maternity unit investigated

14th April 2008

A major inquiry has been launched at a hospital maternity unit in London after more maternal deaths.

Ten women died at the Northwick Park Hospital unit between 2002 and 2005 resulting in it being placed on special measures amid concerns it lacked resources to deal with high-risk cases and there were not enough consultant obstetricians and midwives.

In September 2006, the Healthcare Commission reported that services had â€śimproved significantlyâ€? but now a further investigation has been launched following three more deaths among women at the maternity unit in 2007 and 2008. The most recent was on March 20.

The North West London Hospitals NHS Trust said procedures were under review but refused to divulge details about the causes or dates of the other two deaths for reasons of confidentiality.

Chief executive Fiona Wise said: â€śGiven that it has been 18 months since we were lifted off special measures, we feel that it is the right time to undertake a review to re-check our systems and procedures.

â€śThis also gives us the opportunity to review again the three maternal deaths that the trust had during 2007 and 2008.

â€śTwo of the maternal deaths have been investigated on an individual basis and there is currently no evidence to show that there were any issues with the quality of care received in these cases.â€?

The Healthcare Commission said it had discussed the latest deaths with the trust and plans for a formal review and at this stage was satisfied that the appropriate action was being taken.